Expressive Art-Making Contest: A Highlight of Lestonnac Week 2025

The 25th founding anniversary of Niña Maria Learning Center, celebrated under the theme "25 Years of Excellence: Walking Tribute to the Past, Paving the Way for a Better Tomorrow," has inspired a series of meaningful activities throughout the school year 2024-2025. From 3-7 February 2025, the school hosted an Expressive Art-Making Contest as part of its Lestonnac Week activities to commemorate the death anniversary of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac, the Foundress of the Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady. The week-long event allowed the school community to reflect on the significant milestones of its journey and how St. Jeanne’s life and legacy have shaped its vision and mission.

Objectives of the Expressive Art Contest
The primary objectives of the contest were to a) celebrate NMLC’s 25-year journey through creative art forms; b) inspire positive aspirations for the future of NMLC; c) encourage the creative and imaginative expression of students; d) highlight the significant role of art in shaping a better tomorrow; and d) reinforce the importance of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac’s influence on the school’s mission. The activity celebrated the students' dedication to capturing the essence of NMLC’s 25 years and their hopes for a brighter future. 

Categories and Criteria for Judging
The contest offered various categories to showcase the creative talents of NMLC kids. These included poem-making, slogan-making, song-lyrics-making, and poster-making.

Each entry was evaluated based on several key criteria:  Relevance to the Theme (30%); Creativity and Originality (25%); Artistic Quality (20%); Clarity of Message (15%); and,
Overall Presentation and Neatness (10%).

The panel of judges consisted of Sr. Afra Primadiana FCJ, Ms. Wella Pareja, and Engr. Dennis Olamit.

Participation and Awards

The participation of the children was quite inspiring. There were 21 entries for slogan-making, 17 for poster-making, 9 for poem-making, and 5 for song lyrics-making. The announcement and awarding of winners took place after the celebration of the Eucharist during the Lestonnac Week culmination on February 7, 2025. The lucky winners were the following:

Slogan-making Category: First Prize - Maxine Aleah F. Ubalde; Second Prize - Cathrina Nicole C. Panlaan; Third Prize - Joules Xian B. Galleon.

Poster-making Category: First Prize -Vaughn Mischa G. Marte; Second Prize - Princess Caren C. Ragandang; Third Prize - Antonette V. Neri.

Poem-making Category: First Prize -Xyrl B. Calang; Second Prize - Kyrie Matthew L. Bustamante; Third Prize - Enzo Gabriel B. Sanchez.

Song Lyrics-making Category: First Prize -Jamerah C. Usman; Second Prize - Awyne Skye G. Balaba; Third Prize -Timothy James Mertalla.

Quiz Bee Competition

The children of Grades 1 and 2 had their respective mixed-group Quiz Bee Competition about the life of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac.

The Lestonnac Week 2025 gave students a platform to express their creativity and emphasized the important role of art in shaping the school’s ongoing legacy. As the NMLC community highlights its silver founding anniversary, the expressive art-making contest testifies to the school's efforts in fostering creativity and inspiration among the children.

Class advisers with Ma'am Fler Nery, school principal, receiving the image of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac

More pictures here.